Electricity demand in Pakistan has consistently increased in the past two decades. However, this demand is so far partially met due to insufficient supply, inefficient power plants, high transmission and distribution system losses, lack of effective planning efforts and due coordination. The existing electricity generation also largely depends on the imported fossil fuels, which is a huge burden on the national economy alongside causing colossal loss to the environment. It is also evident from existing government plans that electricity generation from low-cost coal fuels in the near future will further increase the emissions. As such, in this study, following the government’s electricity demand forecast, four supply side scenarios for the study period (2013–2035) have been developed using Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning System (LEAP) software tool. These scenarios are Reference scenario (REF) based on the government’s power expansion plans, and three alternative scenarios, which include, More Renewable (MRR), More Hydro (MRH), and More Hydro Nuclear (MRHN). Furthermore, the associated gaseous emissions (CO₂, SO₂, NO_X, CH₄, N₂O) are projected under each of these scenarios. The results of this study reveal that the alternative scenarios are more environmentally friendly than the REF scenario where penetration of planned coal-based power generation plants would be the major sources of emissions. It is, therefore, recommended that the government, apart from implementing the existing plans, should consider harnessing the renewable energy sources as indispensable energy sources in the future energy mix for electricity generation to reduce the fossil-fuel import bill and to contain the emissions.

Pakistan has been facing energy crises for more than a decade as a result of its reliance on imported fossil fuels, circular debt, political instability, and absurd energy policies. However, the country has abundant renewable energy resources which, if harnessed, may help to effectively cope with ever-increasing energy demand. This review study investigates the country’s economic and energy situations, energy crises, and energy sector performance. A critical analysis of studies conducted on Pakistan’s energy planning since its independence in 1947 is, and policies announced to date are assessed. This review reveals that the economic situation of the country has remained severely stressed, and energy sector performance has been compromised over the years for various underlying reasons. The energy policy narrative in the early decades of the post-independence period focused on water resource management, whereas energy concerns were only realized in the late 1960s as demand grew. The first-ever energy and power planning study in Pakistan was conducted in 1967, and since then, various studies have been conducted to support the medium-term development plans of the government. These planning studies inspired further development, and in 1994, the first-ever electricity-focused power policy was announced by the government in response to industrial growth and subsequent electricity demand. However, this and subsequent policies were fossil-fuel-centric until 2006, when the government announced the first-ever renewable energy policy. This 2006 policy focused on increasing renewable energy penetration in the overall energy mix by setting specific targets. However, these targets have rarely been accomplished as a result of a lack of an effective planning paradigm, as most of studies have been conducted without sound demand forecasting and without considering renewable energy’s potential to meet growing demand. As such, planning efforts based on proven methodologies/modeling tools and the undertaking of demand forecasts and renewable energy assessments are inevitable for countries such as Pakistan. Therefore, we suggest that sectoral energy demand forecasting, estimation of renewable energy potential with end use, and modeling of optimal penetration of renewable energy using energy modeling tools will be helpful to develop sustainable energy policies in Pakistan to eradicate the energy crisis.

This research focuses on developing innovative hybrid solar dryers that combine solar Photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems for sustainable food preservation in Pakistan, addressing the country’s pressing issues of hi... | Find, read and cite all the research you need on Tech Science Press

The energy demand in Pakistan is escalating owing to the growing population, rapid urbanization, and industrial growth. Therefore, the development and execution of Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) policies and initiatives are critical for the Government in order to enhance energy efficiency and to address the country’s increasing energy demand. In this study, the Low Emission Analysis Platform (LEAP) tool is used to develop and analyze the effects of load control, energy efficiency, and conservation-based measures. Based on the policy analysis and energy consumption patterns, macro-economic modeling has been undertaken using LEAP for the study period 2020–2050. The two scenarios developed are Business-As-Usual (BAU) and Demand-Side-Management (DSM). The model results forecast 1910.2 TWh electricity demand by 2050 under the BAU scenario, with an average annual growth rate of 5.5%, which is eighteen times greater than energy demand in the base year. The sustainable electricity generation path followed under the DSM scenario ensures a lower demand of 1597.5 TWh and an average annual growth rate of 4.5%. This scenario will reduce energy use by 16% compared to the BAU scenario. Therefore, it is proposed that policy may be envisaged using infrastructural and consumer engagement approaches to encourage DSM development in Pakistan. The proposed LEAP model can be used to undertake the supply policy selection and demand assumption for future power production in Pakistan.